Straydog UPDATE posted THURSDAY 5/8/03 at ~9:20 p.m. CT
Pat's Daily Dog Log
THURSDAY MAY 8 2003
Too many unwanted dogs need homes!
This morning six people wanting us to take the dogs they had found contacted us by phone and/or email.
We may possibly be taking in a mangy little pup, as we only have room for this one, three-month-old fellow
I'm in the process of finding out more information about this little pup, who apparently has mange and desperately needs a home. We have a spot for a puppy, but no room at this time for any more adult dogs.
The only thing we can do for the people who called today about adult dogs needing homes is to add them to our long waiting list, or tell the owners (or rescuers) to try other shelters because every spot in every kennel here (for adult dogs) is taken.
Dogs we happen to rescue
The dogs or pups who receive priority (until we have an opening) are the ones we might happen to find along the roadside. These abandoned dogs or puppies have no one to help them, and we will always stop to rescue them. We will board them at our vet clinic, if necessary, until we do have a space for them.
Other rescued strays
The dogs people have just rescued and call us about are next in line as soon as we do have an opening, with special-needs dogs at the top of that list. At least these already-rescued pups and dogs have their rescuers to look out for their welfare for the time being.
Owner-surrenders
We don't often take owner-surrenders for the simple reason that the owners of the pets have the obligation (we believe) to take the time necessary to find their beloved pets good homes. Our shelter is for the dogs and puppies who do not have anyone to look out for their welfare.
Today's calls about dogs needing homes
We have no room at the moment at our shelter for the following seven dogs people are trying to place:
Rescued: Black Lab mix; eight years old; female; 60 pounds; spayed; sweet personality; "a wonderful dog"; well trained; now at rescuer's home; needs permanent home ASAP.
Trying to Rescue: Black Lab/Chow mix; approximately five years old; 40 pounds; black fuzzy hair. This dog, who is staying at an abandoned house, had pups over a month ago. The SPCA came and took pups but left the mother behind. Person trying to help the mother dog thinks she can rescue her, but needs a home for dog to go to.
Owner-Surrender: Black Lab/Coonhound mix male; big; approximately 80 pounds.
Owner-Surrender: Person caring for two mixed breed, medium size dogs cannot afford to keep them any longer.
Owner-Surrender: Shepherd/Chow mix; six years old; spayed; vaccinated. This pretty girl sounds as if she needs special handling as she is skittish and snappy with children; would do best with retired couple or family with no children; owner trying to find home ASAP.
Rescued in January: Sheltie mix; house dog; protective of owner/guardian and jealous of other dogs.
If you are interested in adopting any of these seven dogs, you can call me for the number of the contact person: Pat at 903-479-3497.
Temperatures in the 90s today
The dogs dig deep "scoopy" holes in the sandy soil in the shade, and we wet down the ground to try to give them some relief from the heat. As the hot, sunny afternoon wears on, the dogs spend most of their time sleeping in the shade--except during final rounds when a caregiver spends some quality time in each kennel with each set of dogs. After their turn with the caregiver each pair goes back to their dampened shade areas to continue sleeping waiting for night to bring some relief.
Military canines in Iraq, where it's a lot hotter than Texas
In the April 19, 2003 edition of The Dallas Morning News there's a story about military canines deployed in Iraq. The article mentions eight of the dogs who "live in a neat compound domed by camouflaged netting. It includes stacks of dog food and medicine and an air-conditioned tent--a luxury not even generals here enjoy. ... Temperatures could hit 140 degrees in the coming months."
Maybe the climate here in Texas isn't so bad after all.